Commentary

Brief Description

Trade card of Nicolas and Louis Collet, merchants (marchands) of ribbons and trimmings, At the Arms of England, dated 1668. The image is etched with extensive engraving, the text is engraved. The design consists of a representation of the shop sign incorporating a depiction of goods and a text area.

The lower third of the card is occupied by the text area. This area is bordered by a rectangular frame composed of flowers, leaves and berries. The upper two-thirds of the card are occupied by a large representation of the shop sign. A tapestry with a border composed of C-scrolls, with rosettes attached at the upper corners, provides the backdrop for the presentation of the heraldic motif. The upper border of the tapestry contains the textual name of the shop sign.

In front of the tapestry, a large shield rests on a stand set on the steps of a plinth. The lowest step bears the motto 'Dieu est mon droit'. The shield shows the quartered arms of the union of England and Scotland in the form used by James I (VI) King of Scotland 1567, King of England 1603 (b. 1566-d. 1625) and until the Union under Queen Anne (1707).

The shield is encircled by a garter loosely knotted at the base. This bears the motto 'Honi soit il qui mal y panse'. The garter is surmounted by a helmet seen face-on with an open visor. The helmet is surmounted by a crown decorated with fleurs-de-lis and a mond (cross and globe) finial, which is, in turn, surmounted by a lion crowned guardant. Generous mantling of curling acanthus leaves surrounds the helmet. From this mantling protrude two flags: in the upper right, the saltire of St. Andrew and Scotland, on the left, the cross of St. George and England. Two heraldic beasts support the girdle: to the right a unicorn rampant gorged; to the left a lion rampant guardant crowned.

At the Arms of England. Shame to him who evil thinks, God and my right. Nicholas and Louis Collet merchants living opposite the Clock tower of the Palace at the Arms of England, sell all sorts of gold and silver ribbons in the latest styles. Satin and taffeta ribbons in all colours and real English poppy-red. Also silk stockings made by needle and loom by the best makers. Silk ruffles and very fine woollen hose from England, stockings and ruffles from Milan and Dourdan, large fashionable ruffles and garters of moiré silk, tabby and taffetas of one colour and in lace. Knots of hair, ready-made ornaments, and all sorts of ribbons for men as well as women. Lightweight dress fabric with silk warp and wool, cotton or hair weft, and taffetas and plaited silk. Pink garters, cords and ribbons of crepe and crespon ribbons. Camisoles, pantaloons, and underpants of real chamois leather, thick boot hose stockings of ratteen, material and serge from London. Muffs for men and women and all sorts of other most fashionable goods, at fair prices. Paris. 1668

Language:

FrenchLatin

History

Provenance:

Acquired by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild (b.1839, d.1898) before 1897; inherited by his sister Alice de Rothschild (b.1847, d.1922); inherited by her great-nephew James de Rothschild (b.1878, d.1957); bequeathed to Waddesdon The Rothschild Collection (The National Trust) in 1957.